Method and system for electrolysis

ABSTRACT

A method and system for electrolysis. The system includes an electrolytic cell which has a front end and a back end. The front end has a cathode electrode coupled to a cathode screw, and an anode electrode coupled to an anode screw. The screws are coupled to a spacer, which is coupled to an insert. Each insert is further coupled to a second insert. The coupling results in the plate being conductive. The plates each have at least two holes, a large hole and a small hole. The small hole makes contact with a spacer and/or an insert.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/773,686 entitled “Method and System for Electrolysis,” filed Mar. 6,2013, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Techinical Field

The present invention relates to a system and apparatus forelectrolysis.

2. Description of Related Art

Carbon based fuels, such as so-called fossil fuels, are in high demand.However, the supply is finite. As such, industry is seeking for ways tomaximize or increase the efficiency of these fossil fuels. Consequently,it is desirable to have a method to produce a fuel which does notoriginate from fossil fuels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe best understood by reference to the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a depiction of a system in one embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a two cell electrolytic unit in oneembodiment;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a chamber in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic unit in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic unit in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a plate with a neutral orientation;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a plate with an anode orientation;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a plate with a cathode orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described withreference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will beidentified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, electrolysis is utilized to produce a hydrogen basedfuel. A hydrogen based fuel, as used herein, refers to a fuel whoseprimary element is hydrogen. The fuel produced can vary depending uponthe materials utilized. For example, the hydrogen based fuel producedcan comprise hydrogen gas, ortho-hydrogen, para-hydrogen, andcombinations thereof.

The hydrogen based fuel can be fed to an engine for power or collectedand stored. In one embodiment the hydrogen based fuel produced isprovided as the primary source of fuel. In other embodiments, however,the fuel produced is used to supplement a primary fuel source. Forexample, an engine's primary fuel source may comprise gasoline ordiesel, but the engine can be supplemented with hydrogen based fuel. Thesupplemental fuel can result in increased power, increased efficiency,for example in terms of miles per gallon of fuel, and combinationsthereof.

FIG. 1 is a depiction of a system in one embodiment. As depicted thesystem 100 comprises a reservoir 107 coupled to an engine 110. As notedabove, the engine can comprise a diesel engine, gasoline engine, naturalgas engine, and virtually any type of engine which burns carbon basedfuels.

The reservoir 107 comprises a level of liquid. In one embodiment theliquid comprises water and electrolytes. In one embodiment the watercomprises distilled water. An electrolyte is a substance containing freeions which are the carriers of electric current. Pure distilled water isnot electrically conductive, and thus impurities or other solids areneeded to make water electrically conductive. Electrolytes within thewater make water electrically conductive.

Virtually any type of electrolyte can be utilized. Possible electrolytesinclude, but are not limited to, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide,acids, bases, and salts. During hydrolysis, the bond between the oxygenand hydrogen in the water molecule is broken with electrical energy,releasing hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, hydrogen based fuels, andcombinations thereof. Thus, the amount of water in the system decreasesover time as the water is converted into a gas. However, theelectrolytes, provided there are no leaks in the system, do nototherwise leave the system. Accordingly, electrolytes, once added to thereservoir, do not require frequent replacement. In one embodiment, thefluid comprising electrolytes is acidic.

The concentration of the electrolytes within the fluid can vary. In oneembodiment, the amount of electrolytes is related to the amps beingdrawn by the electrolytic cell from the power source. In one embodimentwith a small engine and a limited alternator, the unit draws about 35amps. In other embodiments utilizing an oil field generator or a shipengine, as an example, the amps can be as high as between 85 and about105 amps. In such embodiments, there is virtually unlimited availablepower coming from an on-site mega watt generator. The electrolyteconcentration, the pH, and the temperature of the fluid all have aneffect on electrolysis. Consequently, in one embodiment, one or more ofthese factors are monitored and/or controlled.

The material which makes contact with the liquid in the reservoir 107can comprise a variety of materials as discussed above. In oneembodiment, the reservoir 107, the pump 108 housing, and the connectinglines comprise polypropylene or other material which is impervious tothe acidic conditions of the liquid.

The reservoir 107 is coupled to a pump 108. The size of the reservoircan vary depending on relative space as well as fuel requirements. Inone embodiment the reservoir ranges from about 3 quarts to about 50gallons. The pump 108 can comprise any type of pump known in the art. Inone embodiment the pump 108 comprises a 12 or 24 Volt DC pump. In oneembodiment the pump 108 comprises housing and an impeller made frompolypropylene which is impervious to acid. In one such embodiment, thepump 108 comprises a magnet which connects the impeller to the motor sothat the motor will not be subject to the liquid within the pumphousing. In one embodiment, no electrical parts of the pump 108 comeinto contact with the liquid in the pump housing. The pump 108, asdepicted, is located upstream of the chamber 101, and downstream of thereservoir 107. The flow rates of the pump 108 can vary depending on theapplication. The flow rates can range from 0.5 gallons per minute toabout 6 gallons per minute. In one embodiment the flow rates range fromabout 1.3 gallons per minute to about 3.5 gallons per minute.

In one embodiment the system 100 further comprises a cooler 109.Electrolysis produces heat, and that heat must be removed to preventoverheating the system 100. Overheating the system 100 increases partdegradation. The cooler 109 can be located upstream or downstream of thepump 108. The cooler 109 can comprise virtually any type of coolerincluding but not limited to a radiator fin cooler, a single or doublepass heat exchanger, a chiller, etc. The cooler 109 moderates andmaintains a desired temperature. In one embodiment the temperature ofthe liquid ranges from between about 80° to about 200° F. or greater. Inone embodiment the temperature of the liquid ranges from between about95° to about 120° F.

Fluid is pumped into the chamber 101 via a chamber inlet 106. Thechamber inlet 106 can couple with the chamber 101 at any point. In oneembodiment the chamber inlet 106 couples to the bottom of the chamber101 whereas in other embodiments the chamber inlet 106 couples to theside of the chamber 101. The chamber 101, discussed in detail below, isthe location wherein the electrolysis occurs. In one embodiment thechamber 101 is filled with liquid. In one embodiment the chamber 101 iscompletely filled with liquid such that all parts are submerged.

The chamber 101 is connected to a power source 102. The power source 102can comprise virtually any power source including a battery or even ACpower. The power source 102 is coupled to the chamber 101 via a cathodeelectrode 103 and an anode electrode 104.

Downstream of the chamber 101 is the chamber outlet 105. The chamberoutlet 105 couples the chamber 101 to the reservoir 107. As depicted, inone embodiment the system flows clockwise from the reservoir 107 to thepump 108, to the cooler 109, to the chamber 101, and back to thereservoir 107. For ease of reference an object clockwise of an objectwill be referred to as downstream. Thus, as depicted, the pump 108 isdownstream of the reservoir 107. Conversely, as depicted, the pump 108is upstream of the chamber 101.

As noted, during electrolysis in the chamber 101, a mixture of gas isproduced. The gas and liquid mixture exits the chamber 101 through thechamber outlet 105. The chamber outlet 105 can couple to the reservoir107 at virtually any location including the bottom, top, and side.

Once within the reservoir 107, the gas and liquid separate and the gasraises to the top of the reservoir 107 through the gas outlet 133. Inone embodiment there is no pressure in the reservoir 107. In otherembodiments, however, the reservoir 107 can withstand pressures as highas 30 psi. As noted, in one embodiment the gas outlet 133 is connectedto an engine 110. In other embodiments the gas outlet 133 is coupled toa storage container wherein the hydrogen based fuel is stored.

In one embodiment the system 100 further comprises a filter (not shown).Degradation of materials, solids in the water, electrolytes, etc. resultin fine solid particles which are present in the fluid. In oneembodiment, if these solids are not removed, they can plug the platesresulting in decreased efficiency. A filter helps remove these fineparticles. In one embodiment the filter comprises a 2 micron or lessfilter. In another embodiment, the filter comprises a 0.5 micronpolypropylene filter. Such a filter is impervious to the often acidicconditions and thus does not degrade. The filter traps these smallimpurities so they can be removed from the system.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a two-cell electrolytic unit in oneembodiment. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a chamber in oneembodiment. The electrolytic unit 232 of FIG. 2A fits within the chambercover 229. As can be seen from both FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, theelectrolytic unit 232 comprises a cathode electrode 103 and an anodeelectrode 104. Virtually any type of electrode can be utilized. In oneembodiment the cathode electrode 103 comprises titanium steel and theanode electrode 104 comprises stainless steel. As noted above, the typesof materials utilized during electrolysis dictate, in part, whichhydrogen-based fuel is produced. Titanium results in ortho-hydrogen, avery powerful fuel, being produced. Further, titanium is not susceptibleto the acidic properties of the electrolyte and does not becomesacrificial. Other materials which can be utilized include, but are notlimited to, gold, platinum, nickel, and silver.

As seen in FIG. 2B, the electrodes stick up out of the chamber cover229. This allows the power source to couple to the chamber 101. Thechamber cover 229 can comprise any non-conductive material. As usedherein, a non-conductive material is a material that resists the flow ofelectric charge, also called a dielectric, as is well known to oneskilled in the art. Non-conductive materials include plastics such asABS plastics, nylon, polypropylene etc. Virtually any material which canwithstand temperatures of 200° F. and which are impervious to acid canbe utilized as the non-conductive material. Also seen is the outletadapter 134. The outlet adapter 134 couples with the chamber outlet 105.In one embodiment the outlet adapter 134 is non-conductive.

FIG. 2B also illustrates a non-conductive washer 113 which sits betweenthe top of the chamber cover 229 and the electrodes.

As depicted, the electrodes are on the right side of the chamber 101.For reference purposes, the side closest to the electrodes will bereferred to as the front side. The side opposite of the front side isreferred to as the back side.

Turning back to FIG. 2A, the figure illustrates the electrode bufferplate 212. This buffer plate 212 serves as a buffer between theelectrodes and the first plate 214. The buffer plate 212 isnon-conductive, and in one embodiment comprises a thickness of about ⅛of an inch and two holes each with a diameter of about ⅜ of an inchthrough which one cathode screw and one anode screw will be inserted.

As depicted the electrolytic unit 232 comprises 14 plates and two cells.This will be discussed in more detail below and should not be deemedlimiting.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic unit in FIG. 2A. Ascan be seen in FIG. 3, there are 14 plates. As depicted, there are tenneutral plates 215. The neutral plates 215 can comprise virtually anyconductive material including but not limited to stainless steel, 304,316, 440 and other grades of stainless steel. Stainless steel, and thevarious grades, have a benefit of not degrading in the electrolytesolution. In one embodiment the neutral plates 215 are not connected toany conductive piece. The neutral plates 215 serve to control the rateof electrolysis, control the amperage within the system 100, minimizetemperature, and minimize degradation.

In one embodiment, and as depicted, the first plate is a neutral plate215. The first plate 215 is the plate which is closest in proximity tothe cathode 218 and anode 219 screws. Thus, the first plate is the plateclosest to the front side. The plates are numbered numerically beginningat the plates closest to the location of the electrodes, the front side.In one embodiment, and as depicted, the first two plates are neutralplates 215. When the first plate, or first two plates, are neutralplates 215, this allows a buffer between the first conductive plate,either titanium or stainless steel as depicted, and the cathode screw218 and anode screw 219. The neutral plates 215 creates a buffer so thatthe electrolysis is isolated and occurs only where it is designed anddesired to occur, namely, between two conductive plates. Minimizing oreliminating unwanted electrolysis, or any electrolysis which does notoccur between two conductive plates, maximizes the efficiency of thedesired electrolysis and reduces erosion of materials. If the firstplate were not neutral, then even with the electrode buffer plate 212,undesirable electrolysis occurs between conductive plates and parts suchas the cathode screw 218, for example, causing wear on the cathode screw218. Thus, in one embodiment one or more neutral plates 215 are adjacentto the front side. As noted, this improves electrolysis efficiency whileminimizing part degradation.

Turning briefly to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a top view of a plate in a neutralorientation in one embodiment. As can be seen the plate 214 comprisesfour holes 535 a-c, 536 which are adjacent to the corners of the plate.In one embodiment the plate is six inches long, 3.5 inches wide, andbetween about 0.01-0.06 inches thick. In another embodiment the plate isbetween about 0.028 and 0.032 inches thick. The thickness and otherdimensions are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not bedeemed limiting. Additionally, while the shape is provided asrectangular other shapes can be utilized.

As depicted the plate comprises three large holes 535 a-c of the samediameter and one small hole 536 of a smaller different diameter. In oneembodiment the large holes 535 a-c comprise a diameter of about ⅝0 of aninch. In one embodiment the small hole 536 comprises a diameter of about¼ inch. While specific diameters are discussed, it should be understoodthat this is for illustrative purposes as other diameters can besuccessfully utilized. Further, as will be discussed, in one embodimentthe anode insert 222 and cathode insert 221 which passes perpendicularthrough the plates comprise a diameter of about ¼ inch, and this is why,in the embodiment discussed, the small hole 536 has a diameter of ¼inch. If the diameter of the anode insert 222 and cathode insert 221changes, so too would the diameter of the small hole 536.

As depicted, the plate is oriented such that there are two large holes535 a,b located at the top of the plate. If the plate is installedvertically into the electrolytic unit 232 of FIG. 2A so that the twolarge holes 535 a,b are at the top, the plate will function as a neutralplate. Thus, the orientation depicted in FIG. 5 is referred to as theneutral orientation. The reason for this is that, in the embodimentdiscussed, the anode insert 222 and cathode insert 221 which passthrough the top of the plates are ¼ inch in diameter and the large holes535 a,b comprise a diameter of ⅝ of an inch. As such, the ¼ inchdiameter anode insert 222 or cathode insert 221 cannot make contact withthe plate because the large holes 535 a,b are too large. Thus, the plateis a neutral plate.

Turning to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a top view of a plate with an anodeorientation in one embodiment. If the plate of FIG. 5 is flipped arounda horizontal axis such that the top becomes the bottom, the orientationdepicted in FIG. 6 results. The anode orientation is an embodimentwherein the small hole 536 is located at the top and is on the rightside of the plate. The two large holes 535 a,b are located on the bottomof the plate. If the plate is installed into the electrolytic unit 232in FIG. 2A, the plate will make contact with the anode insert 222 and/orthe anode spacers 226, 225. The small hole 536 has a diameter, in oneembodiment of about ¼ of an inch. Because the anode insert 222 has adiameter of ¼ inch, the anode insert 222 and or the anode spacers 225,226 are sufficiently close to the ¼ inch small hole 536 to makeelectrical contact with the plate. Electrical contact, as used herein,is sufficient contact to allow electricity to be conducted through thecontacting surfaces. In one embodiment, electrical contact is sufficientcontact to avoid any shorts. In one embodiment, the spacers are solidlycinched tightly by the insert to provide electrical contact. Thus, inone embodiment the insert is tightened to allow the spacers to pinchdown upon the plate. This electrical contact makes this plate an anodeplate. The remaining large holes 535 a-c are too large to make contactwith the cathode insert 221 or anything else. The only conductivematerial which makes contact with the anode plate is the anode insert222 and/or the anode spacers 226, 225, discussed below.

It can be seen that the same plate can be used for both the neutral andthe anode plates. Thus, in one embodiment the same material which actsas a neutral plate also acts as an anode plate. In one embodiment, theneutral plate and the anode plate comprise stainless steel.

In one embodiment, aside from the orientation, the neutral plate and theanode plate are indistinguishable. This is a significant advantageduring manufacturing as it reduces costs. Because the same plate can beused as a neutral plate and an anode plate, a smaller number of customparts must be designed and built. Further, having uniform parts hasseveral other benefits including ease and consistency of manufacturing.When manufacturing the electrolytic unit 232 the plates simply need tobe oriented in the desired position prior to installation.

Turning to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a top view of a plate with a cathodeorientation in one embodiment. As depicted, the cathode orientation hastwo large holes 535 a,b at the bottom and a small hole 536 located atthe top left. This is the cathode orientation because, in the embodimentdepicted, the cathode is on the left. If, however, the cathode was onthe right side of the electrolysis unit 232, then the cathodeorientation would depict the small hole 636 being located on the rightside. If the plate is installed into the electrolytic unit 232 in FIG.2A, the plate will make contact with the cathode insert 221 and or thecathode spacers 224, 223. The small hole 536 has a diameter, in oneembodiment of about ¼ of an inch. Because the cathode insert 221 has adiameter of ¼ inch, the cathode insert 221 and or the cathode spacers224, 223 are sufficiently close to the ¼ inch small hole 536 to makeelectrical contact with the plate. This makes this plate a cathodeplate. The remaining large holes 535 a-c are too large to make contactwith the anode insert 221 or anything else. The only conductive materialwhich makes electrical contact with the cathode plate is the cathodeinsert 221 and/or the cathode spacers 224, 223. As noted above, in oneembodiment the cathode plate comprises titanium steel.

In one embodiment all plates, including neutral, cathode, and anodeplates, have approximately the same dimensions. This provides uniformityand efficiency to the electrolytic unit 232. Further, such uniformitysimplifies the manufacturing process.

Turning back to FIG. 3, the cathode 103 and anode 104 electrodes aredepicted. The cathode 103 and anode 104 electrodes are coupledrespectively via a cathode screw 218 and an anode screw 219. In oneembodiment, the same material is used in both the plates and the screws.For example, in one embodiment the cathode screw 218 comprises titaniumsteel whereas the anode screw 219 comprises stainless steel. This is notlimiting as any conductive material can be utilized. In one embodimentthe cathode 218 and anode 219 screws have a diameter of about ¼ inch.

It can be seen that the cathode screw 218 is shorter than the anodescrew 219. Thus, in one embodiment the cathode screw 218 and the anodescrew 219 have different lengths. The reason for this is that thisensures the cathode side is offset from the anode side. This will bediscussed in more detail below.

Adjacent to the cathode 218 and anode 219 screws is a non-conductiveflat washer 227. In one embodiment the same type of non-conductive flatwasher 227 is used for both the cathode side and the anode side. Thenon-conductive flat washer 227 provides an additional buffer for theelectrodes.

In one embodiment the non-conductive flat washer 227 has hole with adiameter of about ⅜ of an inch. Thus, as depicted, the non-conductiveflat washer 227 fits around the cathode short spacer 224 which iscoupled to the cathode screw 218. In one embodiment the cathode shortspacer 224 is the same material as the cathode screw 218. In oneembodiment the cathode short spacer 224 has internal threads and anouter diameter of ⅜ of an inch.

Coupled to the cathode short spacer 224 is a cathode insert 221. Thecathode insert 221, in one embodiment, comprises the same material asthe cathode screw 218. In one embodiment the cathode insert 221comprises external threads and a diameter of about ¼ of an inch. In oneembodiment the cathode insert 221 comprises an Allen screw. An Allenscrew can be tightened to shorten the distance between the cathode shortspacer 224 and a cathode long spacer 223, which is similar to thecathode short spacer 224 just longer. By closing the gap between thecathode short 224 and long 223 spacers, the cathode insert 221 causesthe spacers to pinch and make electrical contact with the cathode plate216 a. This contact makes the cathode plate 216 a conductive to allowfor electrolysis.

Because the depicted electrolysis unit 232 is a two cell unit, thecathode long spacer 223 is coupled to an additional cathode insert 221,which couples to an additional cathode long spacer 223. The secondcathode insert 221 causes the second cathode plate 216 b to makeelectrical contact with either the cathode insert 221, the cathode longspacers 223, or combinations thereof. This causes the second cathodeplate 216 b to become conductive.

The anode side works in a similar fashion with the anode inserts 222,the anode long spacer 226, and the anode short spacer 225. The short andlong anode spacers are arranged to ensure that they meet at a conductiveplate. Thus, the anode short 225 and the anode long 226 spacers meet atthe anode plates 217 a,b.

Starting again at the first neutral plate 215, as noted because of thelarge holes 535 a,b, the neutral plate does not make contact with eitherthe cathode or anode spacers, inserts, or screws. Referring to thecathode side, the first neutral plate 215 makes contact with anon-conducting stepped washer 228. The non-conducting stepped washer 228can comprise any non-conductive material. In one embodiment the steppedwasher 228 comprises a hole with a diameter of ⅜ of an inch so that itcan fit around the spacers. In one embodiment the stepped washercomprises two dissimilar outer diameters: a first outer diameter on topand a second outer diameter at a lower portion. In one embodiment thesecond outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter. In oneembodiment the second outer diameter is about ⅝ of an inch whereas thefirst outer diameter is greater than ⅝ of an inch. These dimensionsallow the washer to both sit above the neutral plate 215 and sitadjacent to the first neutral plate 215 between the first neutral plate215 and a spacer. In this fashion, the stepped washer 228 acts as aninsulating barrier preventing the neutral plate from making contact withthe screw, insert, or spacer. The stepped washer 228 operates in thesame fashion on the anode side. In one embodiment, above each neutralplate is a stepped washer 228. The stepped washer 228 also has anadvantage of increasing stability of the plates. For example, refer tothe stepped washer 228 above the first neutral plate on the cathodeside. The top portion of the stepped washer 228, the portion with thelarger outer diameter, fits around the cathode short spacer 224. Thesecond lower portion, due to the shorter outer diameter, fits within thehole in the neutral plate. Thus, the stepped washer 228 fills the voidthat would otherwise exist in the space between the neutral plate andthe non-conducting rod 230 at the location of the large hole 535 a,b,c.Filling the voids prevents the neutral plate from having the space tomove. As such, the stepped washer 228 increases the stability of theplates. Increasing the stability of the plates helps maintain thedesired spacing between plates.

The various washers dictate the separation between plates. Thus, in oneembodiment the stepped washer 228 comprises a thickness of about ⅛ of aninch. Such a thickness results in a separation between plates of about ⅛of an inch. As noted, uniformity increases efficiency of electrolysisand efficiency of manufacturing. In other embodiments the separationbetween plates ranges from about 1/16 of an inch to ¼ of an inch. Aspacing of about ⅛ of an inch controls the amperage draw at eachjunction. If the spacing it too low, the plates use too much power tomake the optimal amount of gas and the effectiveness of the dampeningneutral plates is decreased. If the spacing is too great, the platesfail to utilize the energy correctly and production of gas decreases.

As can be seen, the second neutral plate also has a stepped washer 228preventing the neutral plate from making contact with any otherconducting material. The third plate, however, is the first cathodeplate 216 a. As previously noted, the cathode plate 216 a makeselectrical contact with the cathode spacers 223, 224 and/or the cathodeinsert 221. Because of the cathode orientation, the small hole 536 islocated on the cathode side such that electrical contact is made. Ascontact is encouraged in this scenario to make the cathode plate 216 aconductive, a stepped washer 228 is not utilized as a stepped washer 228would not fit within the small hole 536. Put differently, there is nogap like the gap at the location of the large hole 535 a-c as discussedabove. Because there is not a gap, a stepped washer 228 is not utilized.Instead, a flat washer 227 is utilized above the first cathode plate 216a. As noted, in one embodiment the flat washer 227 comprises a thicknessof about ⅛ of an inch resulting in a separation of about ⅛ of an inchbetween the third plate, the first cathode plate 216 a, and the fourthplate, a neutral plate.

The fourth and fifth plates, as depicted, are neutral plates. Thus, inone embodiment, a cathode plate 216 a,b and an anode plate 217 a,b areseparated by two neutral plates. As previously noted, the number ofneutral plates has several effects on the electrolysis. The number andspacing of the neutral plates can be adjusted to control these factors.In one embodiment, the every neutral plate, with a ⅛ of an inch spacing,results in a drop of between about 2-2.5 Amps. Thus, while additionalneutral plates can be utilized, in one embodiment, this results indecreased gas production.

The fourth and fifth plates are assembled as previously discussed witheach being topped by a stepped washer 228. The sixth plate is the firstanode plate 217 a. Due to its orientation, the small hole 536 ispositioned so that it is located where the two anode long spacers 226meet. Above the first anode plate 217 a is a flat washer 227.

The remainder of the electrolytic unit 232 is assembled as discussed. Atthe back side of the electrolytic unit 232, the spacers are capped witha non-conducting screw 220 which screws into the spacer. Thenon-conducting screw 220 is coupled to a non-conducting stepped washer228. If a conducting screw were utilized as a cap, undesirableelectrolysis could occur. The non-conducting screw 220 helps preventunwanted electrolysis.

As previously noted, there are several features, includingnon-conducting screws 220 and electrode buffer plate 212, which serve toensure that unwanted electrolysis is minimized or eliminated. In oneembodiment the desirable electrolysis occurs only between cathode andanode plates. Thus, in FIG. 3, the electrolysis is confined between thethird plate, the first cathode plate 216 a, and the twelfth plate, thesecond anode plate 217 b. The electrolysis occurs between the firstcathode plate 216 a and the first anode plate 217 a. It also occursbetween the first anode plate 217 a and the second cathode plate 216 b.Finally, it also occurs between the second cathode plate 216 b and thesecond anode plate 217 b. In one embodiment, all other electrolysis isminimized or eliminated. In one embodiment greater than 95% of allelectrolysis occurs in the desired location.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic unit in FIG. 2A.Perpendicular to the plates is the non-conducting rod 230. In oneembodiment the non-conducting rod comprises a diameter of about ¼ of aninch. The non-conducting rod 230, as depicted, is at the bottom of theplate whereas the cathodes and anodes are at the top of the plate.

The non-conducting rod 230 serves to support the plates and maintain thedesired separation. The non-conducting rod 230 is optional, and in someembodiments is not utilized. While FIG. 4 depicts two non-conductingrods 230 this is not limiting. In some embodiments a singlenon-conductive rod 230 is utilized, or as noted above, in someembodiments no non-conductive rods 230 are utilized.

The front end of the non-conducting rod 230 is secured to the outside ofthe first plate by a non-conducting nut 231 and a non-conducting flatwasher 239. In an embodiment wherein the non-conducting rod 230comprises a diameter of ¼ of an inch, a non-conducting flat washer 239with an opening of ¼ of an inch is utilized.

The back end of the non-conducting rod 230 is secured to the outside ofthe final neutral plate by a non-conducting nut 231 and a non-conductingstepped washer 237. The non-conducting stepped washer 237 acts similarto the non-conducting stepped washer 228 previously discussed. In oneembodiment, the non-conducting stepped washer 237 used for thenon-conducting rod 230 comprises a hole of about ¼ of an inch so as tofit around the non-conducting rod 230. As previously discussed thestepped washer 237 increases the stability of the plates and helpsmaintain uniform separation. While stepped washers 237 have beendiscussed, in other embodiments flat washers can also be utilized.

Turning back to the front end, and specifically to the first neutralplate, it can be seen that a stepped washer 237 is utilized above theneutral plate on the cathode side. However, on the anode side on thefirst neutral plate, a flat non-stepped washer 239 is utilized. This isbecause this is the location of the small hole 536 in the neutral plateorientation. Thus, as depicted, each neutral plate on the anode sidewill comprise a flat non-stepped washer 239. The flat non-stepped washer239 is similar to the flat washer 227 previously discussed. In oneembodiment the flat non-stepped washer 239 comprises a hole of about ¼of an inch so as to fit around the non-conducting rod 230.

Each plate is added as discussed above and a washer, either stepped orflat, is inserted between to ensure a desired separation between plates.It can be noted that as depicted, each cathode plate and each anodeplate has a large hole 235 a,b at the location of the non-conducting rod230. This is a result of the cathode and anode orientation which ensurethe small hole 236 aligns with either the anode insert 222 or cathodeinsert 221.

While FIGS. 2-4 show a two cell, fourteen plate embodiment, this is forillustrative purposes and should not be deemed limiting. In otherembodiments a single cell electrolytic unit 232 is utilized. In one suchembodiment the single cell unit comprises 8 plates: one anode plate, onecathode plate, and six neutral plates. In one embodiment the first twoplates are neutral, followed by a cathode plate, followed by two neutralplates, followed by an anode plate, and finally capped with two neutralplates.

In one embodiment a five cell unit is utilized. In one such embodiment,the five cell unit comprises

30 total plates. This includes five cathode plates, five anode plates,and twenty neutral plates. The number of cells and plates is limitedonly by the size in which the unit can be utilized as well as the powerwhich can be delivered to the unit.

As noted above, a spacing of about ⅛ of an inch with two neutral platesbetween conducting plates, in one embodiment, provides efficient gasproduction. If the quantity of neutral plates is increased, the amp drawand cell temperature decreases, and accordingly, so does the gasproduction. With two neutral plates, the temperature is increased,compared to two, but the increased temperature can be decreased with acooler as discussed above.

The amount of hydrogen based fuel produced by the system is dependentupon several factors including number of cells, number of plates,materials of the plates, power supplied to the system, etc. In oneembodiment utilizing a 12 V car battery, the system produces betweenabout 5-6 L of gas per minute. In one embodiment, a majority of the gasproduced comprises ortho-hydrogen.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of thedisclosed invention.

-   1. A system for electrolysis, said system comprising an electrolytic    unit, wherein said electrolytic unit comprises:    -   a front end and a back end;    -   a cathode electrode coupled a cathode screw at said front end;    -   an anode electrode coupled to an anode screw at said front end;    -   a first cathode spacer coupled to said cathode screw;    -   a first anode spacer coupled to said anode screw;    -   a first cathode insert coupled to said first cathode spacer,        said first cathode insert further coupled to a second cathode        spacer;    -   a first anode insert coupled to said first anode spacer, said        first anode insert further coupled to a second anode spacer;    -   a first cathode plate comprising at least two holes, wherein        said at least two holes comprise at least one large hole and at        least one small hole, wherein one of said large holes aligns        with but does not make electrical contact with said first anode        spacer, wherein said large hole comprises a diameter greater        than the diameter of said first anode spacer, wherein said at        least one small hole aligns with said first cathode insert so as        to make electrical contact with said first cathode insert;    -   a first anode plate comprising at least two holes, wherein said        at least two holes comprise at least one large hole and at least        one small hole, wherein one of said large holes aligns with but        does not make electrical contact with said first cathode spacer,        wherein said large hole comprises a diameter greater than the        diameter of said first cathode spacer, wherein said at least one        small hole aligns with said first anode insert so as to make        electrical contact with said first anode insert.-   2. The system according to clause 1 wherein said electrolytic unit    comprises a neutral plate, wherein said neutral plate is    approximately perpendicular to said cathode screw and said anode    screw, wherein said neutral plate is approximately parallel with    said first anode plate and said first cathode plate, wherein said    neutral plate comprises at least two holes, wherein said first    cathode spacer and said first anode spacer are located within said    at least two holes.-   3. The system according to clause 2 wherein said electrolytic unit    comprises two neutral plates in front of said first anode plate.-   4. The system according to clause 2 wherein said electrolytic unit    comprises two neutral plates between said first anode plate and said    first cathode plate.-   5. The system according to clause 2 wherein said electrolytic unit    comprises first and second neutral plates at the front end, wherein    said two neutral plates are followed by said first cathode plate,    wherein said first cathode plate is followed by a third and fourth    neutral plates, and wherein said third and fourth neutral plates are    followed by said first anode plate.-   6. The system according to clause 5 wherein said first and second    neutral plates are separated by a stepped washer, wherein said    stepped washer comprises a thickness of about ⅛ of an inch.-   7. The system according to clause 5 wherein each plate is separated    by at least one stepped washer and at least one flat washer, wherein    said flat washer is located at said small hole.-   8. The system according to clause 2 wherein said electrolytic unit    comprises two neutral plates at the front end, wherein said two    neutral plates are followed by said first anode plate, wherein said    first anode plate is followed by two additional neutral plates, and    wherein said two additional neutral plates are followed by said    first cathode plate.-   9. The system according to any preceding clause wherein said cathode    plate comprises titanium steel.-   10. The system according to any preceding clause wherein said anode    plate comprises stainless steel.-   11. The system according to clause 2 wherein said plates are    separated by about ⅛ of an inch.-   12. The system according to clause 2 wherein said electrolytic unit    further comprises a top end and a bottom end, and a left    non-conducting rod and a right non-conducting rod, wherein said    cathode screw and said anode screw are located at a top end, and    wherein said left non-conducting rod and a right non-conducting rod    are located at said bottom end.-   13. The system according to clause 12 wherein each plate comprises    four holes, three large holes and one small hole.-   14. The system according to clause 12 wherein said first cathode    plate comprises four holes, three large holes and one small hole,    wherein one of said large holes aligns with said left non-conducting    rod, wherein one of said large holes aligns with said right    non-conducting rod, wherein one of said large holes aligns with but    does not make electrical contact with said first anode spacer.-   15. The system according to any preceding clause wherein said    electrolytic unit is upstream of a reservoir, wherein said    electrolytic unit is downstream of a cooler, and wherein said    electrolytic unit is downstream of a pump, and wherein said    electrolytic unit is electrically coupled to a power source.-   16. The system according to clause 15 further comprising a filter    upstream of said electrolytic unit.-   17. The system according to clause 16 wherein said filter comprises    a 0.5 micron polypropylene filter.-   18. The system according to clause 15 wherein gas is removed from    said reservoir.-   19. The system according to clause 18 wherein said gas comprises    ortho-hydrogen gas.-   20. The system according to clause 18 wherein 5-6 L/minute of gas is    removed from said reservoir.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for electrolysis, said system comprisingan electrolytic unit, wherein said electrolytic unit comprises: a frontend and a back end; a cathode electrode coupled a cathode screw at saidfront end; an anode electrode coupled to an anode screw at said frontend; a first cathode spacer coupled to said cathode screw; a first anodespacer coupled to said anode screw; a first cathode insert coupled tosaid first cathode spacer, said first cathode insert further coupled toa second cathode spacer; a first anode insert coupled to said firstanode spacer, said first anode insert further coupled to a second anodespacer; a first cathode plate comprising at least two holes, whereinsaid at least two holes comprise at least one large hole and at leastone small hole, wherein one of said large holes aligns with but does notmake electrical contact with said first anode spacer, wherein said largehole comprises a diameter greater than the diameter of said first anodespacer, wherein said at least one small hole aligns with said firstcathode insert so as to make electrical contact with said first cathodeinsert; a first anode plate comprising at least two holes, wherein saidat least two holes comprise at least one large hole and at least onesmall hole, wherein one of said large holes aligns with but does notmake electrical contact with said first cathode spacer, wherein saidlarge hole comprises a diameter greater than the diameter of said firstcathode spacer, wherein said at least one small hole aligns with saidfirst anode insert so as to make electrical contact with said firstanode insert.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said electrolytic unitcomprises a neutral plate, wherein said neutral plate is approximatelyperpendicular to said cathode screw and said anode screw, wherein saidneutral plate is approximately parallel with said first anode plate andsaid first cathode plate, wherein said neutral plate comprises at leasttwo holes, wherein said first cathode spacer and said first anode spacerare located within said at least two holes.
 3. The system of claim 2wherein said electrolytic unit comprises two neutral plates in front ofsaid first anode plate.
 4. The system of claim 2 wherein saidelectrolytic unit comprises two neutral plates between said first anodeplate and said first cathode plate.
 5. The system of claim 2 whereinsaid electrolytic unit comprises first and second neutral plates at thefront end, wherein said two neutral plates are followed by said firstcathode plate, wherein said first cathode plate is followed by a thirdand fourth neutral plates, and wherein said third and fourth neutralplates are followed by said first anode plate.
 6. The system of claim 5wherein said first and second neutral plates are separated by a steppedwasher, wherein said stepped washer comprises a thickness of about ⅛ ofan inch.
 7. The system of claim 5 wherein each plate is separated by atleast one stepped washer and at least one flat washer, wherein said flatwasher is located at said small hole.
 8. The system of claim 2 whereinsaid electrolytic unit comprises two neutral plates at the front end,wherein said two neutral plates are followed by said first anode plate,wherein said first anode plate is followed by two additional neutralplates, and wherein said two additional neutral plates are followed bysaid first cathode plate.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein said cathodeplate comprises titanium steel.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein saidanode plate comprises stainless steel.
 11. The system of claim 2 whereinsaid plates are separated by about ⅛ of an inch.
 12. The system of claim2 wherein said electrolytic unit further comprises a top end and abottom end, and a left non-conducting rod and a right non-conductingrod, wherein said cathode screw and said anode screw are located at atop end, and wherein said left non-conducting rod and a rightnon-conducting rod are located at said bottom end.
 13. The system ofclaim 12 wherein each plate comprises four holes, three large holes andone small hole.
 14. The system of claim 12 wherein said first cathodeplate comprises four holes, three large holes and one small hole,wherein one of said large holes aligns with said left non-conductingrod, wherein one of said large holes aligns with said rightnon-conducting rod, wherein one of said large holes aligns with but doesnot make electrical contact with said first anode spacer.
 15. The systemof claim 1 wherein said electrolytic unit is upstream of a reservoir,wherein said electrolytic unit is downstream of a cooler, and whereinsaid electrolytic unit is downstream of a pump, and wherein saidelectrolytic unit is electrically coupled to a power source.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15 further comprising a filter upstream of saidelectrolytic unit.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein said filtercomprises a 0.5 micron polypropylene filter.
 18. The system of claim 15wherein gas is removed from said reservoir.
 19. The system of claim 18wherein said gas comprises ortho-hydrogen gas.
 20. The system of claim18 wherein 5-6 L/minute of gas is removed from said reservoir.